This role presents a significant opportunity for a seasoned professional to take the reins of credit risk management within a dynamic banking environment. Based in Durban, the successful candidate will be instrumental in safeguarding the bank's financial health by meticulously overseeing credit exposures across a diverse portfolio. This position demands a strategic approach, blending in-depth financial analysis with robust governance to identify, mitigate, and manage credit-related risks effectively.

The Core of the Role

At its heart, this position is about maximising the bank's risk-adjusted return on investment. This is achieved through the vigilant management of credit risk at both an individual transaction level and across the entire portfolio. A key aspect involves the leadership and development of a team of Credit Analysts, ensuring their work aligns with the bank’s strategic objectives and risk appetite.

The mandate extends to ensuring strict adherence to all credit policies, facility covenants, governance protocols, and regulatory obligations. The incumbent will be the first line of defence in identifying emerging risks, proactively monitoring accounts, and escalating concerns to senior management. Managing high-risk and distressed exposures, including navigating the complexities of Business Rescue proceedings, will be a critical component of the role, requiring decisive action to protect the bank’s interests.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations

The daily operations of this role are multifaceted, touching upon several critical areas of credit risk management:

• **Portfolio Monitoring and Governance:** This involves a continuous review of client facilities to ensure compliance with agreed-upon credit conditions, covenants, and facility terms. Proactive identification and investigation of emerging credit risks are paramount. Ensuring the bank's policies, delegated mandates, and governance requirements are met is non-negotiable. Regular monitoring for excesses, expired facilities, covenant breaches, and overdue reviews will be part of the routine.
• **High-Risk and Distressed Client Management:** A significant focus will be placed on managing clients exhibiting heightened credit risk. This includes preparing detailed risk assessments, participating in discussions around turnaround and restructuring strategies, and meticulously tracking agreed-upon action plans for distressed exposures. Recommendations for facility amendments and risk mitigation strategies will be a key output.
• **Business Rescue and Restructuring Expertise:** A deep understanding of the Companies Act and Business Rescue processes is vital. The role requires assessing Business Rescue plans, identifying potential risks to the bank, and liaising effectively with Business Rescue Practitioners, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders. Preparing comprehensive risk reports and recommendations for these complex situations, while diligently protecting the bank's security position, will be crucial.
• **Reporting and Analytics:** Producing accurate and timely credit risk reports (monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc) is essential. This includes maintaining oversight of the watchlist, high-risk, and problem accounts, as well as analysing portfolio trends to identify key risk drivers.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

FNB is seeking a candidate with substantial experience, ideally between five to eight years, in commercial, corporate, or business banking credit risk. Proven success in monitoring and managing high-risk and distressed credit exposures is a prerequisite. Experience navigating the intricacies of Business Rescue, corporate restructures, or turnaround environments is highly valued.

A relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Commerce, Accounting, Banking, Law, or Risk Management is required, with a Credit Management qualification being advantageous. While not essential, qualifications such as CA(SA), CFA, or CIMA, along with specific experience in Business Rescue, insolvency, or restructuring, would significantly strengthen an application. Beyond technical skills, the ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical and investigative capabilities, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Sound judgment, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, and strong organisational skills are also critical. The capacity to challenge constructively and influence stakeholders, coupled with a high degree of professionalism and integrity, will ensure success in this demanding yet rewarding role.

In South Africa, a Credit Risk Manager role of this nature typically commands a competitive salary, reflecting the critical responsibilities involved. Financial institutions, from large established banks like FNB to smaller merchant banks, are consistent employers of such talent. Career progression often leads to more senior risk management positions, broader portfolio oversight, or specialist roles in areas like stressed assets or corporate finance.

Qualifications:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Finance, Commerce, Accounting, Banking, Law or Risk Management.

• Credit Management qualification advantageous.

• Business Rescue, Insolvency or Restructuring experience highly advantageous.

• CA(SA), CFA, CIMA or equivalent would be advantageous but not essential.

Suggested Performance Measures (KPIs):

• Excesses within agreed tolerance levels.

• Timely completion of annual and interim reviews.

• Covenant compliance monitoring completed within SLA.

• High-risk account reporting submitted accurately and on time.

• Reduction in overdue conditions and expired facilities.

• Accuracy of risk reporting and portfolio data.

• Timely escalation of material credit risks.

• Quality of committee submissions and recommendations.

• Compliance with audit and governance requirements.

• Effective management of Business Rescue and distressed exposures.

Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.